Method for marking coagulation sites of a retina and system for coagulating the retina

Abstract

A method for marking coagulation sites on a retina by application of a light source including: projecting a serial spot sequence from a sequential, one-dimensional series of spots on the retina, wherein the individual spots indicate the coagulation sites; waiting for confirmation of the sequence of individual spots; after confirming, recalculating an automated sequence of steps having a further serial spot sequence and projecting them on the retina according to the first step; and subsequent repeating of the second and third steps. Also, a system for coagulating the retina, having an imaging diagnostic unit, a therapy beam for coagulating coagulation sites, a pilot beam for marking the coagulation sites by a spot sequence, a beam deflecting unit for generating the spot sequence and for positioning the therapy beam, an electronic control unit for controlling the above devices, a software interface, and an interactive interface.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT / EP2010 / 002968, filed May 14, 2010, which claims priority from German Application No 102009021604.9, filed May 15, 2009, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a method for marking of coagulation sites on a retina by means of a light source as well as a system for coagulating the retina for executing such a method.BACKGROUND[0003]The use of focused light from an axial high-pressure lamp for the treatment of various diseases of the retina, e.g., diabetic retinopathy, by means of the light coagulation has been known for decades. Nowadays, the retina is warmed up or coagulated during light coagulation by means of a laser beam, wherein the energy of the laser beam is absorbed by the dark coloring of the pigment epithelium within the retina. As a result, the metabolism is focused on the as yet ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]This problem is solved through a method for marking of coagulations sites on a retina by means of a light source with the features discussed herein. Projecting a serial spot sequence of the light source from a sequential, one-dimensional series of individual spots on the retina by means of a beam deflection unit, wherein the individual spots indicate the coagulation sites. This indicates to the operator beforehand, i.e., before the actual coagulation takes place, on which sites the coagulation is to occur. Waiting for confirmation of the sequence of individual spots by means of entry of a confirmation signal ensures that no coagulation sites are treated which are to be spared, e.g., because they contain healthy tissue. After confirming the sequence of the individual spots, according to the invention, an automated sequence of steps having a further serial spot sequence and projection of the same on the retina is recalculated. The use of a sequential, one-dimensional series of individual spots, which are created automatically, leads, when compared to a manual determination of said individual spots, to a significant increase in speed. Contrary to the provision of very complex two-dimensional and large patterns, the method, according to the invention, is advantageous because a confirmation must be entered by the operator for every individual sequential, one-dimensional series in order to subsequently—this not being subject matter of the method according to the invention—execute the coagulation on said sites. As a result, coagulation of healthy tissue is avoided and only those coagulation sites are accepted which are actually necessary for the healing process. Through the repetition of the above-mentioned steps according to the invention, it is possible to mark a large area of the retina with coagulation points in a short period of time.

[0044]An optoacoustic measuring system or an optical measuring system, for example, are used as temperature measuring system. By choosing a wavelength in the yellow, green, red, or infrared spectral range, a homogenous coagulation depth or hyperthermia depth can be set. Choosing equidistant individual spot distances and their diameters allows for a structuring of the homogeneity within the surface.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is hereby disadvantageous that tissue worthy of preservation, particularly the photoreceptor layer located in beam direction in front of the retinal pigment epithelium, is also destroyed.

However, such fixed patterns of regular geometry are disadvantageous because very often they do not correspond to the morphological conditions of the physiological anomalies.

Even though it is possible with the above-mentioned prior art to achieve a large pattern which leads to an increase in the speed of the treatment, the risk of overcoagulation and / or undercoagulation through the changeable focus remains due to the retinal curvature and / or varying absorption behavior of the present ocular media.

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